Before her stage debut on America’s Got Talent in 2016, a young girl named Grace VanderWaal gave the world a preview of her talent that would soon resonate far beyond the AGT stage. At just twelve years old, Grace appeared for her audition not as a seasoned performer but with the refreshing sincerity and courage that only a young artist on the cusp of discovery can exude. Born in Kansas and living in New York, Grace took the stage, clutching her ukulele—a musical choice that was as distinctive as her voice—and announced, “I’m doing my own song tonight because I really think that it shows who I am. Hopefully. I hope it does.”
What followed was a remarkable yes—not only to her hopes, but to her unfolding journey as an artist. Grace’s performance captivated the judges and the audience alike, with many beginning to whisper a new label: “the next Taylor Swift.” This comparison, far from frivolous, was reflective of her raw talent and the indelible impression she left in her wake. It was this performance that set her on a spectacular, confetti-strewn path, culminating in her winning the $1 million prize as the victor of AGT’s eleventh season.
During her initial interview backstage at AGT, Judge Simon Cowell asked Grace if she thought she could win the competition. Grace, with youthful optimism and a hint of dreamy possibility, replied, “Miracles can happen, so possibly.” It was a testament to her humble confidence, one that was further revealed when she explained the song she would be performing was original: “It’s about me.” Intriguingly, she confided that most of her school friends “don’t really know I sing.” It was this unassuming introduction that heightened the impact when the first notes of “I Don’t Know My Name” began to fill the theater.
Accompanied by her ukulele, Grace delivered a direct and emotionally poignant song about the universal quest of identity and self-discovery. Lyrics of vulnerability and strength poured from her: “My name is unknown to me. I don’t follow the rules of the game. So you say, I’m just trying right now.” As she performed, a heartfelt sincerity resonated through her unique voice and songwriting, immediately drawing the audience into her narrative.
When the final chord resonated, Grace stood poised to hear the judges’ opinions. With the audience’s standing ovation just subsiding, Howie Mandel was the first to voice his thoughts with unabashed admiration. “This is a show about surprises,” he began, and with heartfelt emphasis, declared, “I believe you are a living, beautiful, walking miracle.”
“You’re unique,” Howie continued, referencing her song’s profound lyrics. “I believe that everyone will know your name. It’s good and bad that others don’t know it, because they will soon know your name.”
With these words, Howie pressed the Golden Buzzer, catapulting Grace straight to the live performances amidst a shower of golden confetti. Overwhelmed with joy, Grace burst into tears as Howie embraced her warmly, whispering, “You are incredible.”
Even Simon Cowell, known for his sometimes harsh critiques, saw in Grace a flash of pop star potential, likening her songwriting to greats who draw from personal experiences. “Grace, you are aware of what I have in store for you,” he stated with conviction. “You are the next Taylor Swift, in my opinion.”
As Grace basked in their praise, Heidi Klum echoed the sentiments of awe shared by her fellow judges, exclaiming, “Whoa, that is really amazing.” Mel B concurred, simply stating, “She is unique.”
“Howie turned to Simon with a query long on admiration, “Do you believe you now have a star?” To which Simon responded with unwavering affirmation, “I firmly believe we have a star,” lightly teasing that he was “irritated” he didn’t get the chance to press the Golden Buzzer himself.
The journey that began with a simple audition led Grace VanderWaal to continued success, including forays into acting with roles like Stargirl, and the opportunity to record albums, winning hearts with her genuine artistry and unyielding spirit. Venturing into the cinematic realm, she took on the role of a pop star in the ambitious cinematic endeavor Megalopolis by Francis Ford Coppola.
Today, as people watch past seasons of America’s Got Talent on Peacock, Grace VanderWaal’s story remains a testament to the magic of possibilities—how a moment of unreserved authenticity and talent can take a young girl from an unknown singer-songwriter to a celebrated star, endlessly inspiring others to pursue their dreams with courage and conviction.
Watch past America’s Got Talent seasons now on Peacock.
